William Saliba's Six-Word Praise Delivers Ultimate Validation for Mikel Arteta
"This is the ideal destination."
Just six simple words captured William Saliba's reasoning behind penning a fresh long-term deal with Arsenal, yet they conveyed volumes. Despite facing substantial reports of genuine interest from Real Madrid, the imposing French defender chose to reject the appeal of Europe's most decorated football institution in favor of Mikel Arteta's consistent Premier League contenders.
"This feels like home," Saliba expressed. "We possess a strong team, an excellent squad, and quality staff. The manager is ideal for my development."
For a club still pursuing the significant silverware their recent championship challenges might have earned in previous times, successfully persuading Saliba to dedicate his peak years to an ongoing pursuit of glory represents the highest praise any player can offer Arteta.
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Real Madrid Aren't Used to Rejection
Real Madrid's former sporting director Jorge Valdano once informed club president Florentino Pérez that three of every five signings prove successful. However, five out of five players usually welcome Madrid's advances.
Trent Alexander-Arnold exemplifies the Spanish powerhouse's magnetic appeal. Despite receiving unlimited devotion from supporters of his childhood club, the local Liverpool product still rejected the Reds' numerous contract extension proposals to damage his standing and join Real Madrid.
Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba both departed Champions League victors to sign with Real Madrid as free agents, while Kylian Mbappé declined enormous wealth to leave Paris Saint-Germain for his boyhood dream destination. Liverpool remain genuinely concerned that Madrid will employ the same free transfer approach with Ibrahima Konaté, particularly after his fellow countryman was persuaded to decline the Spanish capital club.
Arsenal Familiar With La Liga's Allure
During the early Emirates Stadium era, with memories of Arsène Wenger's three Premier League championships still vivid, Arsenal regularly saw their key players stolen by La Liga's dominant pair. Barcelona captured the club's all-time leading goalscorer Thierry Henry in 2007 before ultimately persuading Cesc Fàbregas to abandon his Arsenal captaincy and return "home."
Even during Arsenal's title-winning periods, Real Madrid's overwhelming prestige possessed sufficient influence to entice Nicolas Anelka away from Highbury in 1999. "I desire to compete in Spain and nowhere else," the talented Frenchman stated before ultimately achieving his goal. Saliba's position couldn't be more different.
Mikel Arteta's Humanity and Humility
The manager ranks among the world's finest coaches. He has supported me tremendously, along with his staff, so I'm delighted to have them as my coach.
Saliba's acquisition from Saint-Étienne in 2019 was actually approved while Unai Emery managed Arsenal. When the teenage prospect finally arrived in north London, Arteta had assumed control.
Arsenal's demanding manager acknowledged that his relationship with the €30 million signing was "extremely challenging" initially. Saliba failed to make any senior appearances (and only one matchday squad) as he found himself behind Rob Holding in the hierarchy before departing on loan again in January.
When the Frenchman received a red card in his second appearance for Arsenal's under-23s in the Papa Johns Trophy during December 2020, it hardly seemed he would earn a single first-team match, much less the 140 he has accumulated. "He [Arteta] evaluated me based on two and a half games," Saliba later revealed. "I wished he had given me more opportunities. However, he informed me I wasn't prepared."
"It pained me," he acknowledged, "it impacted me."
The compassion and modesty required for Arteta to not only provide Saliba an opportunity, but clearly establish him as the team's most crucial defensive presence, deserves recognition.
That winding path to prominence has undoubtedly enhanced Saliba. Few stars have experienced a smooth journey. "Many events have occurred," he revealed after signing on Tuesday, "but I take pride in my path. I never surrendered, even during difficult periods."
Arteta never abandoned Saliba and now the Frenchman isn't abandoning Arsenal.